Great news for South African tourism: Durban has earned a spot on Time Out’s prestigious list of The Best Places to Travel in 2026, ranking an impressive 14th worldwide. For travellers planning their next adventure, this recognition puts South Africa’s laid-back coastal city firmly on the global must-visit map.
A new resort puts Durban in the spotlight
A key factor behind the ranking is the upcoming Club Med “Beach and Safari” resort, scheduled to open in July 2026. The new development is expected to combine Indian Ocean beach access with safari and cultural experiences linked to the Zulu Kingdom, strengthening Durban's appeal to international visitors.
Beaches, surf and outdoor access
Time Out notes Durban's warm Indian Ocean waters, popular surf breaks and long stretches of golden beaches. The city also provides easy access to some of KwaZulu-Natal’s most varied landscapes, including hiking in the Drakensberg, Big Five safari reserves, wetlands and the Midlands Meander arts route.
A distinctive food culture
Durban's culinary scene remains one of its strongest attractions. The city’s large Indian community has shaped a diverse food culture, from street food classics like bunny chow to spice markets and beachfront dining.
A practical alternative to South Africa’s classic stops
While many visitors focus on Cape Town or Kruger National Park, the recognition from Time Out reflects Durban's growing visibility as a well-rounded destination combining coast, culture, food and access to nature - all within one region.
Also Note: Just behind Durban on Time Out’s 2026 ranking is St Helena, named 15th. This remote island offers dramatic landscapes, unique wildlife, and rich history, including Napoleon’s exile. With St Helena Airport having reclaimed its Category 6 classification, regular air service has resumed, keeping the island as accessible as it was before the temporary downgrade—ideal for travellers seeking a combination of history, nature, and tranquillity.
Here is the complete list of the best places to visit in 2026:
- The Canadian Rockies
- Rabat, Morocco
- Algodões, Bahia, Brazil
- Hamburg, Germany
- Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand
- Mendoza, Argentina
- Cirencester, England
- Central Vietnam
- Nepal
- Favignana, Sicily
- Gothenburg, Sweden
- Oaxaca, Mexico
- Rottnest Island, Australia
- Durban, South Africa
- St Helena Island
- Barra dos Remédios, Ceará, Brazil
- Prince Edward County, Canada
- Norfolk Island, South Pacific
- Hong Kong
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